Page 123 - DENG401_Advance Communication Skills

Advanced Communication Skills

Notes
3. In a word-processing document, list at least five meeting skills you want to adopt.
Also list at least five meeting practices you want to avoid.
4. Proofread the document carefully to fix any grammar or formatting errors. 5. Submit
the document to your instructor as requested.

5.7 Dealing with Office Politics

An we all know that The term office politics describes the interactions and relationships between
people within an organization, usually focused on who is gaining or losing power and influence.
Office politics is a regular part of the day-to-day culture of any business. When used to gain
advantage at the expense of others or the well-being of the organization, office politics should
be avoided. However, office politics can also be networking behavior that helps you fairly
promote yourself and your career. Career experts believe that becoming involved with office
politics helps you highlight your skills, draw attention to your accomplishments, and promote
your success and upward progress.
Essential Elements
1. Learn the company culture: Every organization develops its own way of reaching its
goals, conducting itself in the business world, and interacting with employees, customers,
and others. Carefully observe and quickly adapt to your company’s culture. Identify the
core values and objectives of the organization. Determine how people communicate and
how decisions are made. Learn about the reward structure, the types of behaviors that are
valued, as well as the taboos you should avoid.
2. Support the company’s goals and strategic initiatives: Identify the projects, objectives,
and initiatives that are most important to your organization, and contribute to them
constructively. Update your skills so they match the company’s needs. As your assignments
mature, look for other opportunities to grow, develop, and contribute to the company.
3. Avoid taking sides: People often form groups and factions within an organization, and
these alliances can become powerful entities. However, changes in leadership can quickly
shift the balance of power and organize new teams. Be careful about aligning yourself too
closely with a group of people. If your plan is to work for a company for some time, a
better strategy is to develop relationships with many people.
4. Communicate professionally at all times: Organizations thrive on internal communication
and information sharing. People often rely on networks of friends and colleagues to learn
what is going on within the company, identify opportunities, and anticipate threats.
However, gossip can be a destructive form of business communication. Be careful when
chatting casually around the office, as in Figure. Assume that what you say will be public
knowledge.
5. Treat people with respect: People have long memories when they’ve been insulted,
humiliated, or treated unfairly. Treat people professionally and with respect. Never
embarrass someone in front of other people. Show basic courtesies whenever appropriate.
People are more likely to cooperate with others who treat them well.

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